Moravian Academy’s Third Graders Experience Lenape Life at Waterloo Village

On Wednesday, September 25th, and Thursday, September 26th, Moravian Academy third graders from the Historic Downtown and Swain Campuses embarked on an unforgettable field trip to Lenape Village of Waterloo in New Jersey. Students explored the Lenape way of life by learning how food was gathered and stored, how traditional clothing was made, and how shelters were built. Highlights of the trip included pounding dried corn into flour, twisting fibers into cordage, and crafting a canoe. Students also played games that Lenape children would have enjoyed, making their learning experience interactive and engaging.

The trip supported the third-grade curriculum on the Native People of Pennsylvania. Through activities like fire-making, plant identification, artifact exploration, and investigating archaeological digs, students gained valuable insights into the resourcefulness of the Lenape. They also had the chance to touch animal hides and explore traditional wigwams and longhouses, making early Native American life tangible and memorable.

A fun discovery for the students: “Winakung” means “place of Sassafras,” and the area is home to many Sassafras trees, known for their unique three-shaped leaves.

This field trip was a truly enriching journey into history, leaving students with lasting memories and knowledge that will continue to inspire their studies throughout the year.